Estimation of Heterosis and Combining Ability of Yield Traits in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

Background: Groundnut, an important oilseed crop is grown in about 100 countries for oil and kernel. The kernels of groundnut also serves multiple table purposes as rough snacks to other value added product other than oil. Its importance is well experienced in the area occupied by it around the world among oilseeds in which it stands within top five. There is a constant thrust in increasing the productivity of groundnut among the cultivators seeking which the present study is taken up.Methods: L × T analysis was taken up to estimate the gene action of yield and yield contributing traits for their improvement. 5 lines viz., CO 7, ICGV 07222, VRI 6, VRI 8 and GPBD 4 and 5 testers viz.,VRI 3, Chico, Gangapuri, ICGV 91114 and ICGV 93468 were crossed to obtain 25 crosses. The L × T analysis was carried out on the biometrical data recorded. GCA and SCA variance revealed the importance of both additive and non-additive gene action of all the traits. Result: Pod yield and kernel yield per plant were governed by non-additive gene action suggesting the advancement of the generation for selection to improve these traits. The parents ICGV 07222, VRI 8, Chico and ICGV 91114 were estimated to be best combiners for the inclusion in further breeding programs. The cross ICGV 07222 × Chico, a product of good combiners was best performing and can be used to obtain superior recombinants. Standard heterosis of 27% was observed for pod yield in the groundnut crosses.